Public And Private Donations Pour In To Help Houston’s Recovery Effort

HOUSTON, TX — The unimaginable tragedy of Hurricane Harvey is going a long way toward helping one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the United States to get back on it’s feet.

And a lot of that is coming in the way of financial contributions and pledges into the recently created Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. (Want to get daily updates about Hurricane Harvey and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

On Wednesday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner accepted a $2 million donation from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation.

“Our Texas family of customers and associates are experiencing devastating impact from this storm,” Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon said. “We are on the ground to help our friends and neighbors in the Gulf region, and we’ll continue to be in the tough days, weeks, and months ahead.”

Harvey: More SE Texas Cities Under Water; Chemical Fire; More Heartache

Americans are opening their wallets as the real-life drama of human tragedy, mingled with images of the selfless heroism of Houstonians helping one another out, playing out on their television screens for nearly a week. To some, it was remarkable, but in Houston, it is just part of being neighborly.

Some know this first-hand, including Houston Texans superstar J.J. Watt, who launched his online fundraising efforts on Aug. 27, the same day Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

Since Sunday, Watt has raised $15 million for the relief effort. He expects to have semi trucks rolling into Houston this weekend.

Others, such as Sandra Bullock, President Donald Trump, and Houston Texans owner Bob McNair have all pledged $1 million donations, while Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander has pledged $10 million toward the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

“In the midst of the worst storm this region has ever seen, it is wonderful to see corporate partners such as Walmart step up and help Houstonians,” Turner said. “We are rebuilding and with these funds we will be able to help Houstonians return to normality.”

Companies are also doing their part to raise money for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Lone Star has set up the Lone Star Beer Disaster Relief Fund, with a goal of raising $250,000 by the end of the year, seeded with an initial donation of $25,000.

Movie Tavern locations hope to raise a sizeable donation for Hurricane Harvey relief. We are excited that the two Houston area locations are now OPEN to serve families with all of its 22 locations participating in fundraising events.

“Texas and Louisiana are near and dear to our hearts,” explains Danny DiGiacomo, Vice President of Marketing for Southern Theatres. “I think it is critical that we all pitch in and contribute in any way we can to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.”

Meanwhile, Walmart is also launching a customer campaign with the American Red Cross to assist with Hurricane Harvey relief.

As part of the customer campaign, Walmart will match customer donations two to one with cash and product donations of up to $10 million to support American Red Cross disaster relief.

Walmart’s initial focus will be on mega-shelters, providing items to meet basic needs, such as water, infant formula, diapers, underwear and personal hygiene products.

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will also give additional cash and product donations totaling $10 million to support the Salvation Army, Feeding America, Convoy of Hope, Team Rubicon and the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund at the Greater Houston Community Foundation, as well as other organizations assisting food distribution, sheltering and cleanup efforts, McMillon said.

“Together we can make a difference to those who will need extensive help to get back on their feet once this storm is over,” Turner said.

Image: Jennifer Kirk, Courtesy Photo

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